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[Von]

I would like to control my HTPC's playback from my laptop. MC15 is installed on both machines, with separate local libraries. What is the best way to do this?

I used to do this with Windows remote desktop, but am looking for a different solution.

Von

[Matt]

If you connect to your HTPC from your laptop, using a Library Server running on the HTPC, you can play to either the HTPC or laptop.  The HTPC and laptop will just be zones under 'Playing Now' in the tree.

[Von]

Great. Trying this now. I activated Library Server on my HTPC. When I try to connect to the library from my laptop, I get this error message:

Error Loading Library
Media Center failed to load the library 'Connected Library' and will attempt to load the previously selected library.

This happens after I am prompted for the username/password for the HTPC. What am I doing wrong?

[Matt]

Great. Trying this now. I activated Library Server on my HTPC. When I try to connect to the library from my laptop, I get this error message:

Error Loading Library
Media Center failed to load the library 'Connected Library' and will attempt to load the previously selected library.

This happens after I am prompted for the username/password for the HTPC. What am I doing wrong?

I'm not sure.  Make sure they're both running the latest version.

Maybe disable authentication on the HTPC / server, just to rule out a username / password problem.

Finally, try loading a webpage like http://address.of.server:52199/MCWS/v1/ on the laptop (or even on the server) to see if it can reach the server.  You could have a firewall blocking stuff.

Let us know how you fare.

[Von]

I disabled authentication on the HTPC/server, and that did the trick!

Now the next trick is to make it work with authentication. I am running Windows firewall under Windows 7, and I checked 'Yes' on both computers when the firewall asked if I wanted to allow access. (When I set up the server and when I tried to connect to the library the first time.)

Any ideas?

[Matt]

I disabled authentication on the HTPC/server, and that did the trick!

Now the next trick is to make it work with authentication. I am running Windows firewall under Windows 7, and I checked 'Yes' on both computers when the firewall asked if I wanted to allow access. (When I set up the server and when I tried to connect to the library the first time.)

Any ideas?

I'm not aware of any issues, assuming you're using the latest version.

Maybe try a new username and password and type extra carefully.

[Von]

Just to make sure: What MC is asking for when I want to connect is the Windows username/password on the machine that is running the library server, correct?

[Matt]

Just to make sure: What MC is asking for when I want to connect is the Windows username/password on the machine that is running the library server, correct?

It's asking for the password you set on the server in Options > Media Network > Library Server > Advanced > Authentication.

[Von]

Just to make sure: What MC is asking for when I want to connect is the Windows username/password on the machine that is running the library server, correct?

Not correct! I just worked it out, and set up a username/password in MC. Everything works now. Thanks for your help!

Von

[Von]

It's asking for the password you set on the server in Options > Media Network > Library Server > Advanced > Authentication.

You posted 31 seconds before me, Matt, but I really did work it out myself.